Links

Tuesday, 27 July 2010

The family of Ian Tomlinson have welcomed the announcement today by Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson that the officer who struck Ian Tomlinson before his death will face disciplinary proceedings.

Jules Carey of Tuckers Solicitors said

"The family of Ian Tomlinson welcome the announcement of Sir Paul Stephenson that PC Harwood will face disciplinary proceedings for gross misconduct. There is provision in the Police Conduct Regulations for misconduct proceedings to be held in public if it is in the public interest. There is an overwhelming argument in this case that the proceedings should be held in public. The family will be looking carefully at what the charges are, the timing of proceedings and whether they are open to the public.

Paul King said "if the officer faces disciplinary charges now, does that mean he could get away with not facing charges for the death of our dad if there is an unlawful killing verdict at the inquest? I can see how it would look nice for the police if the officer turned up to the inquest in his civilian clothes".

He added "I like to thank all the people who have sent us messages of support. It has really lifted us up and given us strength to keep going"

About the Ian Tomlinson Family Campaign

This website and the Ian Tomlinson Family Campaign has been set up by Ian's family. We are grateful for the huge amount of public support received since Ian’s tragic death on April 1st 2009 at the G20 protests in London. It has been very hard for our family particularly following the release of images of the police assault on Ian emerged. Ian is deeply missed by us and we simply want justice for him.

We may have a long and difficult journey ahead to achieve justice and we will rely on your continued support.

Our family has set up this campaign for the following reasons:

• To demand a full investigation into Ian’s death that scrutinises the individual conduct and operational command tactics of police officers present at the G20 protest and those in command of them when Ian was assaulted and died

• To call for full criminal charges to be brought against any officer whose actions or failure of duty resulted in Ian’s death

• To campaign for change to any police policies, tactics or frequent abuses of power which may effectively endanger people’s lives rather than protect them, so that future deaths and injuries to the public can be prevented

• To raise awareness of any issues we may experience as a family seeking justice through statutory and judicial systems that are a cause for public concern

These are some things you may wish to do for now to support our campaign:

• Keep updated by checking this official family website for press releases, news articles and updates